the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump has signaled he is open to rescheduling marijuana, potentially finishing a reform effort started under President Joe Biden. The move falls short of full legalization but could deliver a major boost to the cannabis industry and reshape federal marijuana policy.
Trump reportedly told donors this month he was weighing the change, and during a press conference, he said a decision would come in the “next few weeks.”
Biden’s Unfinished Reform Effort
The Biden administration had proposed shifting cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the federal drug classification system. That change would not decriminalize marijuana but would significantly ease tax restrictions on cannabis businesses. However, Biden left the process incomplete before leaving office.
The effort stalled largely due to resistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). According to Adam Smith, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, “The DEA, culturally and historically, has been against reforming cannabis laws. And I think to some extent that is their natural response — to dig in their heels.”
Trump’s Record on Marijuana
Although marijuana reform has often been framed as a progressive issue, Trump has previously voiced support for regulation and decriminalization. In September 2024, he wrote on Truth Social:
“I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults to safe, tested product.”
Trump also supported Florida’s Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational cannabis, though it ultimately failed at the ballot box after falling short of the state’s 60% supermajority threshold.
Impact of Rescheduling Cannabis
If Trump follows through, rescheduling would:
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Allow cannabis businesses to deduct expenses under federal tax law.
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Expand access to banking and financial services for the cannabis sector.
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Potentially encourage more states to adopt medical or recreational legalization.
However, marijuana would remain federally prohibited, and criminal penalties for possession or use would not be fully eliminated. Critics such as Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, argue the move primarily benefits businesses.
“It’s about money,” Sabet warned. “This would give huge tax breaks to the marijuana industry, supercharging commercialization and sending the wrong message.”
Widespread Public Support
Despite criticism, national polls show overwhelming public backing. A Pew Research poll (2025) found that 87% of Americans support marijuana legalization in some form, whether for medical use, recreation, or both.
Legal experts note that the process is complex but achievable. Jonathan Robbins, chair of Akerman LLP’s Cannabis Practice, said:
“Outright support from President Trump will absolutely facilitate the process, particularly given that the vast majority of congressional opposition has historically come from the right side.”
For now, all eyes remain on the White House, where Trump has promised clarity in the coming weeks.
Support for medical use only in pill form, ex: cancer patients.
No recreation pot heads on roads, leads to further drug abuse.
Medical Marijuana is a scam.
EVERYONE knows it.
In the country where marajuna leaves and American flags are spray painted on damn near every underpass, you want to take the trees away from us.
This is America ain’t no one’s ever gonna stop me from smoking weed, but myself if I feel like it